Savory Cranberry-Glazed Pork Chops
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Savory Cranberry-Glazed Pork Chops. This easy-to-follow recipe features juicy pork loin chops enhanced with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce made from dried cranberries, apple jelly, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these pork chops are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that highlights the festive taste of cranberries throughout the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork loin chops with bone
4 (1 1/4 lb)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
Shallots or onion
2 shallots or 1/2 onion (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
Reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup
Dried cranberries
1/3 cup
Apple jelly
1/4 cup
Cider vinegar
3 tablespoons
Fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon (chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the pork chops with half of the salt and pepper, ensuring they are well-coated.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate, leaving any drippings behind.
3
Next, deglaze the skillet by lowering the heat to medium and adding the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, along with the remaining salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallots are tender and fragrant.
4
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the dried cranberries, apple jelly, cider vinegar, and fresh rosemary. Stir well, cooking for another 4 minutes until the jelly melts and the cranberries soften.
5
Return the pork chops to the skillet, including any juices that have collected on the plate. Gently flip the chops to coat them in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pork is cooked through but still slightly pink in the center.
6
Remove the pork chops to a warm serving dish and keep them covered. Increase the heat to medium and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional minute, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
7
Serve the pork chops drizzled with the rich cranberry sauce, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cranberry-Glazed Pork Chops?
This dish features juicy pork loin chops enhanced with a sweet and tangy glaze made from dried cranberries, apple jelly, and fresh herbs.
What type of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 bone-in pork loin chops, weighing approximately 1 and 1/4 pounds.
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, though bone-in chops generally provide more flavor and stay juicier.
How do I season the pork chops?
Season the pork chops with half of the salt and pepper before searing them in the skillet.
What is the first step in cooking the meat?
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
What should I do after searing the pork?
Remove the chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate, leaving the drippings behind for the sauce.
How do I deglaze the skillet?
Lower the heat to medium, add another tablespoon of oil, and sauté the shallots and garlic before adding liquid to lift the browned bits.
Can I use onion instead of shallots?
Yes, you can substitute 2 shallots with half of a diced onion.
What liquids are used for the cranberry glaze?
The sauce uses reduced-sodium chicken broth and cider vinegar as the primary liquid components.
What provides the sweetness in the sauce?
The sweetness comes from 1/4 cup of apple jelly and 1/3 cup of dried cranberries.
What herb is used in this recipe?
Fresh rosemary is used for a fragrant, earthy flavor, though dried rosemary can be used as a substitute.
What is the ratio for substituting dried rosemary?
If you do not have fresh rosemary, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary to replace 1 teaspoon of fresh.
How long does the sauce need to cook initially?
Stir the sauce ingredients and cook for about 4 minutes until the jelly melts and the cranberries soften.
When do I return the pork to the skillet?
Once the sauce is prepared, return the pork chops and any collected juices to the skillet to finish cooking.
How long should the pork simmer in the sauce?
Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the pork is cooked through.
Should the pork be completely white inside?
The pork should be cooked through but remains most tender when it is still slightly pink in the center.
How do I thicken the cranberry sauce?
After removing the cooked pork, increase the heat to medium and simmer the sauce for an additional minute until it thickens.
How is the dish garnished?
Serve the chops drizzled with sauce and a sprinkle of fresh chopped rosemary if desired.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This meal pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complement the festive cranberry flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, the combination of cranberry and rosemary makes it an excellent choice for holiday dinners or special occasions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients required for this Savory Cranberry-Glazed Pork Chops recipe.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are preferred for their sweetness; fresh cranberries may require additional sweetener to balance their tartness.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar to provide a tangy contrast to the sweet jelly.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe suitable for a comforting weeknight dinner.
What temperature should I use for searing?
Searing should be done over medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown crust.
Do I need to mince the garlic?
Yes, the garlic should be finely chopped or minced to properly infuse the sauce during the sautéing step.
What is the role of the chicken broth?
The chicken broth acts as the savory liquid base that helps create the volume of the sauce.
Can I make this with other meats?
While designed for pork, the cranberry-apple glaze would also pair well with chicken or turkey.
How much oil is needed in total?
A total of 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil is used, divided between searing the meat and sautéing the aromatics.
What is the total preparation time?
While prep time varies, the active cooking time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes.